Potential for identity theft

[p.dath]

I notice a lot of people seem to have their public profile to show their date of birth, along with alot of other personal information.

Once a criminal has your name and DOB it greatly eases the ability to get other government identity documents, and then perform fraud using those details.
Even just giving your name and indicating the rough area you live in makes it easy for criminals to "shop" for bikes to steal (since they can look up further details in the white pages or the electoral role - and especially if you post pictures of what they can steal).

Yes, I can see in privacy settings you can choose not to display that information, but I see a lot of people still do, perhaps because they don't understand the danger.


I wonder if it might be a good idea for the site to only display a persons year of birth (if you give the month then there are only around 30 combinations for a fraudster to try) - and not even give people the option to display the extra info which may put them at risk. Even then, if a birthday messages comes up their is some danger (since a criminal then knows your birth "day" and month, and can look up the birth year).

[bogan]

or just randomise the day portion of the dob, identity theif then puts the wrong one in, and bam, doesnt even steal ur identity

[FJRider]

Those that want to enter details will, those that don't wont. Personal choice. Most of those that have machines that are in the "list" of bikes worth stealing... do not enter these details anyway. Or, are willing to take the risk.

[Hitcher]

"Identity theft" my arse. If people are keen to get personal information, there are more avenues available to them than scanning members' details on KB.

If anybody is that worried, they should remove themselves from the Interweb immediately!

[sunhuntin]

most sites im on, i use a false DOB, false "real" name, false country i live in, and even change my gender, lol. the first forum i joined, i was a 30 year old grave digger on a volcanic island. good luck stealing that identity. lol.

the only ones i give correct details for are ebay/paypal and tardme [and even then most of my parcels get delivered to my other name]

[cc rider]

the only ones i give correct details for are ebay/paypal and tardme [and even then most of my parcels get delivered to my other name]

So do the feathers come separate? Is it a DIY kit?

[ajturbo]

who gives a shit...?
to be honest, if anyone steals my ID.. they will find out that they have nothing more to gain...

some low life in spain tried it... well i lost nothing but a few hrs sleep...
and a couple of ph calls to usa to cancel the visa...

[James Deuce]

Aaghh, AAAAAAAAgh, they're going to get me.

Aaaaargh.

[YellowDog]

Aaghh, AAAAAAAAgh, they're going to get me.

Aaaaargh.

Sounds like Bollox to me BUT if your not using an Alias, you are definitely screwed.

When you get home from work tomorrow there will be a guard at the door of your house protecting Jame Deuce who is presently taking a shower. How dare you claim to have the same name as him!

[Sniper]

Whos to say that half the birthdays on here are real? Your concerns are warrented, but ID theft needs a wee bit more than Bday and A name.

[davereid]

most sites im on, I use a false DOB, false "real" name, false country i live in, and even change my gender, lol.

Strangely, lots of companies trying to "sell" you stuff - like toll providers, internet companies, pay TV etc demand your date of birth.

They advise you that they use it for "security" so that they can verify you-are-you if you phone them.

I find it a bit of a joke that publicly available information is used for "security" so your technique of making the DOB up is excellent.

I used to decline to offer DOB information but found the question would just be repeated ad-nauseum.

Now I make up a unique DOB for each provider. This provides me with real security, as using the correct DOB won't pass the test.

Interestingly, I signed up at the local RSA. The woman who recorded my Name misspelled it, putting i before e.

Some months later, un-announced, I started getting phone calls and letters from life insurance companies, contacting me with the same misspelled name and DOB as used for my RSA application.

I can't prove the RSA sold my details, but my view is that it is very likely.

Use extreme caution providing the correct information to anyone.

[sunhuntin]

that sounds really suspect, dave. wonder if theres a way you could prove it?

i think kb is the only forum where i use my correct DOB, the rest are just whatever dates i happen to click on at the time. lol.

[cowboyz]

just because your paranoid doesnt mean they are not out to get you...

Lance Broyden
10-6-73

If anyone wants this life then come and get it. It fucking sucks right now.

[MisterD]

I can't prove the RSA sold my details, but my view is that it is very likely.

Use extreme caution providing the correct information to anyone.

Of course they did, for an organisation like that it's extra income they sorely need...Flatcap joined his neighbouring Bowls Club and suddenly started getting spam advertising for hearing aids...

[ManDownUnder]

Aaghh, AAAAAAAAgh, they're going to get me.

Aaaaargh.

No you fool - WE'RE trying to get you... and while we're at it... what's your wife's BOD too... I can't take money out of that bloody joint account of yours without it and my gambling habit's taking a hit.